Hormone Replacement Therapy Part 2: Testosterone

While testosterone is present in higher levels in men, women also have testosterone! In fact, what you thought was the result of low estrogen and progesterone, may actually be due to low testosterone. Learn more from Dr. Mia.

What do you think of when you hear the word testosterone? Macho men, right?

While testosterone is present in higher levels in men, women also have testosterone! In fact, what you thought was the result of low estrogen and progesterone, may actually be due to low testosterone.

Testosterone is essential for memory and mental clarity, energy, maintaining the integrity of muscles and bone, mood, and sexual function.

Symptoms of low testosterone

Declining levels of testosterone, whether naturally or as the result of ovary removal, can cause changes in:

Mood

Memory

Weight

Energy

Sleep

Sexual function

Replacing testosterone not only alleviates these symptoms, but adequate levels can also decrease the risk of heart disease, bone loss, and dementia.

Replacing testosterone

Testosterone can safely be replaced with testosterone cream or pellets, and is suitable for men and women. Bio-identical testosterone cream and pellets are made from yam plants and are identical to the structure of the testosterone our bodies naturally produce.

Hormone pellets are my preferred method of replacement because of how well they maintain a steady level of hormone in the bloodstream. Having a steady level of hormone alleviates symptoms for a longer period of time and decreases the risk of adverse effects. Hormone pellet insertion is a sterile, safe and effective process. There is no variability in dosing and side effects are minimal.

If you are uncomfortable with hormone pellets and would prefer an alternative, bio-identical creams are an option. However, it is important to note that creams must be applied once to twice per day and that there may be variability in dosing. You may need to use more or less cream to reach the desired effect.